Importance of the Gohonzon in Nichiren Buddhism
Understanding the Significance of the Buddhist Prayer Scroll
Nichiren Buddhism is a school of Buddhism that was started by Nichiren Daishonin in Japan. Nichiren Buddhists have a rigorous practice involving chanting “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” and doing morning and evening prayers using the liturgy. It is based on the principle of “karma” or “cause and effect” and the Gohonzon is the external cause that helps to bring out the Buddhahood inherent in every individual.
What is the Gohonzon?
The word Gohonzon is made up of two Japanese words: “go” which means "worthy of honor" and “honzon” which means "object of great respect." The Gohonzon is a paper scroll on which several Chinese and Sanskrit characters are printed. Nichiren describes the prayer scroll in the following words written in a letter: “I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi[ink], so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart.” (WND-1, p.412)
The Gohonzon was inscribed by Nichiren on 12 October, 1279 and the characters are symbols for all the stages of life. Down the center of the scroll in large characters are inscribed the words, “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Nichiren.” In simpler words, this scroll symbolizes the enlightenment of Nichiren Daishonin and is a gift from the Daishonin to the followers of this faith.
Importance of the Gohonzon
Nichiren Daishonin decided to inscribe his life in the form of the Gohonzon to help followers after his death, as they sought to connect with their inherent Buddhahood. The prayer scroll was Nichiren’s way of guiding all of humankind towards enlightenment. The Gohonzon acts as a stimulus and makes it easier to get in touch with one’s inner Buddha nature by connecting members with the life and spirit of the Daishonin.
By chanting to this object of devotion, it is possible to create the external cause for the effect of realizing one’s own Buddhahood. While it is possible to think of the Gohonzon and chant, it is not the same as chanting in front of the physical scroll. That is the reason lay members are encouraged by senior members to apply for the Gohonzon once their faith is established.
Practicing Nichiren Buddhism Without the Gohonzon
Members who don’t have a Gohonzon can continue to practice with full faith and devotion by chanting and doing morning and evening prayers everyday. According to principles of Nichiren Buddhism, it is most important to have faith within oneself and enlightenment is unrelated to material status, professional standing or intelligence.
In fact, new members start to practice without the Gohonzon and receive it only after devoting time to developing faith and engaging in practice and study.
Looking After the Gohonzon
On receiving the Gohonzon, members oversee the enshrining of the scroll in a wooden cabinet known as the "butsudan." The enshrining ceremony is conducted by senior members and guidance is given for looking after the scroll. The guidance includes deeply cherishing the Gohonzon, cleaning the butsudan everyday, not touching the scroll and not opening the butsudan in the presence of non-members.
Nichiren Buddhism is a faith that rests on the law of cause and effect and in simple words, the Gohonzon is the external cause that members need to experience the effects of good fortune and enlightenment.
For more on Nichiren Buddhism, readers may enjoy An Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism and Using Buddhism Teachings to Improve Relationships.
Resources:
- Eternal Ganges. Faith 24/7 : An Introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Eternal Ganges Press Pvt. Ltd, 2008.
- SGI-UK. Q&A: Questions and Answers on the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. SGI-UK.
- Soka Gakkai. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1. Soka Gakkai, 1999.
Nichiren Buddhism Helps Bring Out Buddha Nature
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles